Cosmetic implement with polyhedral applicator

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a cosmetic applicator that may include a handle and a polyhedral applicator coupled to the handle. The applicator may comprise a first gradient, a second gradient, and a peak where the first gradient adjoins to the second gradient. In some embodiments, the first gradient may have dimensions substantially similar to those of the second gradient so that the polyhedral applicator is symmetrical about a longitudinal axis of the implement. In other embodiments the first gradient may have dimensions substantially different than those of the second gradient so that the polyhedral applicator is asymmetrical about the longitudinal axis of the implement. In some examples, the cosmetic implement may be configured to apply a cosmetic product, such as eye shadow, to a first surface and a second surface simultaneously.

BACKGROUND

A typical cosmetic brush contains a handle and a plurality of fibers attached to one end of the handle. This combination of a handle and a plurality of fibers provides a simple, low-cost and effective brush for the application of cosmetic materials. However, multiple brushes are often required in order to apply cosmetic materials evenly and consistently to multiple facial features due to the unique curvatures and skin types (i.e., oily and dry) that comprise the human face. Multiple brushes may also be used when multiple cosmetic materials (e.g., different composites or colors) are applied in order to achieve a desired effect. For example, more rigid brushes can be used for harsher applications like lining and contouring and more flexible brushes may be used for softer applications, like blending.

Hence, since different applications often require different cosmetic brushes, users are required to purchase a plurality of brush applicators. Accordingly, there remains a need for improved cosmetic brushes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description is set forth with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The use of the same reference numbers in different figures indicates similar or identical items.

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an example polyhedral applicator comprising a first gradient and a second gradient.

FIG. 2 is a front elevation profile view of the example polyhedral applicator of FIG. 1, further illustrating symmetry about a longitudinal axis.

FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the example polyhedral applicator of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of an example polyhedral applicator with gradients that are slanted between a front and a back.

FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of an example polyhedral applicator with gradients that include a first bevel and a second bevel.

FIG. 6 is a front elevation profile view of an example polyhedral applicator with a first portion comprised of a sponge and a second portion comprised of fibers.

FIG. 7 is a front elevation profile view of an example polyhedral applicator with a first portion comprised of silicone and a second portion comprised of flocking.

FIG. 8 is an isometric view of another example polyhedral applicator with a first gradient having substantially different dimensions than a second gradient.

FIG. 9 is a front elevation profile view of the example polyhedral applicator of FIG. 8, further illustrating asymmetry about a longitudinal axis.

FIG. 10 is a front elevation view of an example cosmetic implement comprising an applicator, a ferrule, and a handle.

FIG. 11 is a partial perspective view of an example cosmetic implement configured to apply a cosmetic product to a first surface and a second surface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Overview

This disclosure is directed to a cosmetic implement comprising an applicator coupled to a handle. In some examples, the applicator may be polyhedral in that it is comprised of straight lines and planar surfaces. As used herein, a shape is still considered to be polyhedral even if one or more straight lines may intersect at a rounded corner (i.e., an intersection may have a radius). According to certain embodiments, the applicator may include a first gradient that slopes towards a first side of the applicator, a second gradient that slopes towards a second side of the applicator, and a peak where the first gradient meets the second gradient.

By way of example and not limitation, the applicator may be comprised of natural fibers, synthetic fibers (e.g., plastic, rubber, silicone, latex or composites thereof), metallic bristles, flocking, a sponge, a solid applicator member (e.g., a paddle or spatula), or the like. In examples where the applicator may comprise a bundle of fibers, the termini of the fibers extending out from the ferrule may define the first gradient and the second gradient. In other embodiments a distal end of the applicator may define the first and/or second gradients.

In some embodiments, the applicator may comprise a plurality of fibers that further comprise a first group of fibers and a second group of fibers. The first group of fibers may abut the second group of fibers at a junction centrally located between a first side and a second side of the cosmetic implement. The first group of fibers may comprise a first material and the second group of fibers may comprise a second material. In some examples, the first material may be different from the second material. A length of the first group of fibers may decrease linearly away from the centrally located junction. Similarly, a length of the second group of fibers may decrease linearly away from the centrally located junction.

In some examples, the junction of the first and second groups of fibers may not be located centrally between the first side and the second side of the cosmetic implement. Rather, the junction may be closer to one of the first side or the second side. In such examples, the first group of fibers may be substantially larger or substantially smaller than the second group of fibers.

In some embodiments, the first gradient of the applicator may be configured to apply a cosmetic product to a first surface (e.g., eyelid) and the second gradient may be configured to apply a cosmetic product to a second surface (e.g., brow bone), the second surface being oblique to the first surface. In some examples, the cosmetic product on the first gradient may be substantially similar to the cosmetic product on the second gradient. Alternatively, the cosmetic product on the first gradient may be different than the cosmetic product on the second gradient (e.g., purple eye shadow and blue eye shadow). The peak at the junction adjoining the first gradient and the second gradient may be configured to apply a cosmetic product to a third surface disposed between the first surface and the second surface. The peak may be rounded, pointed, flat, or any other shape suitable for applying a cosmetic product to the third surface (e.g., eyelid crease).

In some examples, the applicator may comprise a substantially pentagonal profile when viewed from a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the implement. In some embodiments, the pentagonal profile may be symmetrical about a longitudinal axis of the cosmetic implement. In other embodiments, the pentagonal profile may be asymmetrical about the longitudinal axis of the cosmetic implement. The pentagonal profile may extend beyond a perimeter of the handle. Alternatively, the pentagonal profile may be contained within the perimeter of the handle.

Multiple and varied example implementations and embodiments are described below. However, these examples are merely illustrative, and other implementations and embodiments of a cosmetic implement with a polyhedral applicator may be implemented without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

Illustrative Polyhedral Applicators

The embodiments shown in the figures are presented by way of example. The components shown in the figures may be combined as desired to create a cosmetic implement having various configurations. The components shown in the figures may be rearranged, modified, duplicated, and/or omitted in some configurations.

FIG. 1 illustrates a cosmetic implement 100 including an applicator 102 that may, in some examples, comprise a peak 104, a first gradient 106 that slopes away from the peak 104 towards a first side 108 of the applicator 102, and a second gradient 110 that slopes away from the peak 104 towards a second side 112 of the applicator 102. The first gradient 106 and the second gradient 110 may terminate at a first shoulder 114 and a second shoulder 116 of the applicator 102, respectively. From the first shoulder 114 and the second shoulder 116, the applicator 102 may extend towards a handle 122. In some examples, a ferrule 118 may secure a bottom end 120 of the applicator 102 to the handle 122. However, in other embodiments, the applicator 102 may be secured to the handle directly or by other means. In embodiments having a ferrule, the ferrule 118 may comprise a substantially rigid or semi-rigid material such as metal, ceramic, glass, stone, wood, plastic, or composites thereof. To couple to the bottom end 120 of the applicator 102, the ferrule 118 may, in some examples, include crimps, screws, rivets, fusing, gluing, press-fits, stapling, notches, or any other coupling structures and/or methods. In some embodiments, the method of coupling the ferrule 118 to the applicator 102 may be configured such that the applicator 102 may be removed and replaced by another applicator 102 of a similar or different configuration. In other embodiments, the method of coupling the ferrule 118 to the applicator 102 may be permanent or semi-permanent. In still other embodiments, the cosmetic implement 100 may not include a ferrule 118. Rather, the applicator 102 may be coupled directly to the handle 122 using any of the aforementioned or other coupling structures and/or methods.

In the example of FIG. 1, a perimeter 124 is defined by the ferrule 118. In some examples, as the applicator 102 extends away from the handle 122, the applicator 102 may increase in a first dimension (e.g., width) so that the first gradient 106 and/or the second gradient 110 extend outside the perimeter 124 in the first dimension. In some embodiments, the applicator 102 may increase in a second dimension (e.g., depth) as the applicator extends away from the handle 122, such that the second dimension extends outside the perimeter 124. In other examples (not shown), the first dimension and/or the second dimension of the applicator 102 may be confined within the perimeter 124.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the applicator 102 and illustrates that the applicator 102 comprise a plurality of fibers 200. A bottom end 120 of the plurality of fibers 200 is coupled to the handle 122 via the ferrule 118. The plurality of fibers 200 may, in some examples, extend away from the ferrule 118 in a direction substantially opposite the handle 122, and terminate such that the termini of the plurality of fibers 200 define the first gradient 106 and the second gradient 110. For instance, the plurality of fibers 200 may include a first group of fibers 202, a second group of fibers 204, and a junction 206 where the first group of fibers 202 adjoins to the second group of fibers 204. The first group of fibers 202 may be of a different type than the second group of fibers 204. By way of example and not limitation, the first group of fibers 202 may differ from the second group of fibers 204 in in terms of size of fibers, stiffness of fibers, and/or material of fibers.

Referring back to FIG. 2, a length of the first group of fibers 202 may decrease linearly away from the junction 206. Similarly, a length of the second group of fibers 204 may also decrease linearly away from the junction 206. Hence, the first group of fibers 202 and the second group of fibers 204 may have a longest length nearest the junction 206 and a shortest length farthest from the junction 206, such that the longest lengths of fibers define the peak 104. In some examples, the decrease in length of the first group of fibers 202 may define the first gradient 106 and the decrease in length of the second group of fibers 204 may define the second gradient 110.

In FIG. 2, the first gradient 106 is shown to have dimensions substantially similar to those of the second gradient 110. Additionally, a first angle A of the first shoulder 114 (formed by the intersection of the first gradient 106 and the first side 108) may be substantially congruent to a second angle B of the second shoulder 116 (formed by the intersection of the second gradient 110 and the second side 112). In embodiments such as this, the applicator 102 may be said to be symmetrical about a longitudinal axis 210 of the cosmetic implement. By way of example, the peak 104 may be positioned substantially equidistance between the first side 108 and the second side 112 such that the peak 104 may be said to be centrally located on the applicator 102. In some examples, the peak 104 may be rounded and, in other examples, the peak 104 may be sharp. In adjoining the first gradient 106 to the second gradient 110, the peak 104 may create an angle C which, in some embodiments, may be between 100 and 130 degrees.

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the applicator 102. As shown in FIG. 3, in this embodiment the first gradient 106 and the second gradient 110 may have a consistent lateral slope between a front 300 and a back 302 of the applicator 102.

In examples such as those illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, the first gradient 106, the second gradient 110, the first side edge 108, the second side edge 112, and the bottom end 120 of the applicator 102 may define a substantially pentagonal profile when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 210 (e.g., the front view of FIG. 2). The pentagonal profile in this example is substantially symmetrical about the longitudinal axis 210. In this embodiment the peak 104 is centrally positioned between the first shoulder 114 and the second shoulder 116 of the applicator 102. In some examples, the pentagonal profile may have a cross-section defined by the front 300, the back 302, the first side edge 108, and the second side edge 112. This cross-section may increase in area from the bottom end 120 coupled to the ferrule 118 to a plane intersecting the shoulders 114 and 116. From the shoulders 114 and 116, the cross-section defined by the front 300, the back 302, the first gradient 106, and the second gradient 110 may decrease in area to a distal end of the applicator (e.g., the peak 104).

FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment, in which the lateral slope 400 of the first gradient 106 and the second gradient 110 may be slanted between the front 300 and the back 302 of the applicator 102.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example in which the first gradient 106 and the second gradient 110 may include additional planar surfaces, such as a first bevel 500 sloping towards the front 300 and/or a second bevel 502 sloping towards the back 302.

While FIGS. 1-5 illustrate example embodiments having brush applicators, applicators according to this disclosure may comprise any material suitable for retaining a product and applying the product to a surface, such as applying eye shadow to an eyelid. In some examples, a first portion of the applicator may be at least partially comprised of a first material and a second portion of the applicator may be at least partially comprised of a second material. For instance, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the first material may comprise a sponge 600 and the second material may comprise fibers 602. FIG. 7 illustrates an example in which the first material may comprise silicone 700 and the second material may comprise flocking 702. These are just two examples, and many other combinations of a first material and a second material are also possible using the materials described herein as well as other materials. In yet another embodiment, the applicator 102 may comprise even more materials than the first material and the second material. In some examples, the peak 104 may be situated where the first material abuts the second material.

FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate another example embodiment, in which an applicator has first and second gradients which are different (e.g., have different dimensions and/or different slopes). Specifically, FIG. 9 illustrates the applicator 102 which, in this embodiment, includes the first gradient 106 and the second gradient 110 with a first dimension 900 of the first gradient 106 being different than a second dimension 902 of the second gradient 110. A magnitude of a slope of the first gradient 106 may additionally or alternatively be different than a magnitude of a slope of the second gradient 110. In such examples, the applicator 102 may be said to be asymmetrical about the longitudinal axis 210 extending through the center of the handle. The peak 104 in this example may be off-center between the first side 108 and the second side 112 of the applicator 102. The degree of asymmetry (i.e., how offset the peak 104 is from the longitudinal axis 210) could be substantial in some embodiments and minimal in other embodiments.

In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 9, a first angle D of the first shoulder 114 may be incongruent to a second angle E of the second shoulder 116.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, some embodiments of the applicator 102 may include a first side edge 802 and a second side edge 804 that extend from the first shoulder 114 and the second shoulder 116, respectively, towards the bottom edge 120. The first gradient 106, the second gradient 110, the first side edge 802, the second side edge 804, and the bottom end 120 of the applicator 102 may define a substantially pentagonal profile 806. In the examples illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, the pentagonal profile 806 may be substantially asymmetrical about the longitudinal axis 210. These embodiments may have the peak 104 positioned a distance away from the longitudinal axis 210 so that the peak 104 could be said to be substantially off-center between the first shoulder 114 and the second shoulder 116 of the applicator 102.

As mentioned above, and as illustrated by way of example in FIG. 10, the cosmetic implement 100 may include the ferrule 118 coupling the applicator 102 to the handle 122. The handle 122 may be constructed of a rigid, semi-rigid, or flexible material such as metal, wood, glass, ceramic, plastic, rubber, and composites thereof. The handle 122 may be substantially linear, as illustrated in FIG. 10, giving the cosmetic implement 100 an overall linear form-factor. In other embodiments, the handle 100 may be curved, bent, irregular, spherical, bulbous, a combination thereof, or any other shape suitable for gripping, giving the cosmetic implement 100 an overall non-linear form-factor. The handle 122 may include additional features, such as mounting loops, an extendable shaft, gripping surfaces, and/or additional applicators (not shown).

As described above, the cosmetic implement 100 may include the applicator 102 comprised of the first gradient 106 and the second gradient 110. FIG. 11 illustrates an example use of a cosmetic implement 100 in which the first gradient 106 is configured to apply a product (e.g., eye shadow) to a first surface 1100 and the second gradient 110 may be configured to apply the product to a second surface 1102. The cosmetic implement 100 is illustrated in FIG. 11 as having an asymmetrical applicator. The first surface 1100 may be oblique to the second surface 1102. In some examples, the first surface 1100 may be an eyelid of a face 1104 and the second surface 1102 may be a brow bone (area below an eye brow). The peak 104 of the applicator 102 may be configured to apply product to a third surface 1106, such as an eyelid crease between the first surface 1100 and the second surface 1102.

Due to the many variations in facial structures among cosmetic product users, multiple embodiments are contemplated where the first gradient 106 may have dimensions substantially different than those of the second gradient 110. By configuring the first gradient 106 and the second gradient 110 with different dimensions that correspond to the first surface 1100 and the second surface 1102, respectively, cosmetic product may be applied evenly and quickly to multiple facial surfaces using a single cosmetic brush, without repositioning or changing orientation of the brush.

In some embodiments, the first gradient 106 may comprise the first group of fibers 202 and the second gradient 110 may comprise the second group of fibers 204. However, in other examples, the applicator may consist of a single uniform group of fibers or of a non-brush applicator. In examples having first and second distinct groups of fibers, the first group of fibers 202 may comprise a first material and the second group of fibers 204 may comprise a second material, the first material being configured to apply product to the first surface 1100 and the second material being configured to apply product to the second surface 1102. The first group of fibers 202 may differ from the second group of fibers 204 in size of fibers, stiffness of fibers, and/or material of fibers. For instance, the first material may be softer and suppler in order to apply eye shadow to the delicate skin of the eyelid while the second material may be more rigid to apply eye shadow to the firmer brow bone area.

The first material and the second material may also be configured to apply product to different types of skin, such as oily skin and/or dry skin. In some examples, the first material may be configured to apply a different product than the second material. Alternatively, the first material may be configured to apply a similar product as the second material. In some examples, the peak 104 may be configured to apply product to the third surface 1106 in a manner continuous with the application of product to the first surface 1100 and the second surface 1102, such that desired effects may be achieved (e.g., multiple colors, blending, etc.). Hence, the peak 104, by way of example and not limitation, may be rounded, pointed or flat. In some embodiments, these configurations may allow for cosmetic product to be applied evenly and quickly to multiple facial surfaces using a single cosmetic implement.

CONCLUSION

Although this disclosure uses language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the scope of the disclosure is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as illustrative forms of implementation. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A cosmetic implement comprising: a handle; and an applicator coupled to an end of the handle, the applicator comprising: a peak; a first gradient that slopes away from the peak towards a first side of the applicator for applying cosmetic product to a first surface; and a second gradient that slopes away from the peak towards a second side of the applicator, opposite the first side, for applying cosmetic product to a second surface oblique to the first surface.
 2. The cosmetic implement of claim 1, wherein the first gradient extends beyond a perimeter of the handle and the second gradient extends beyond the perimeter of the handle.
 3. The cosmetic implement of claim 1, wherein the applicator comprises a first material at least partially defining the first gradient and a second material at least partially defining the second gradient, the second material being different than the first material.
 4. The cosmetic implement of claim 1, wherein the first material comprises a first plurality of fibers and the second material comprises a second plurality of fibers.
 5. The cosmetic implement of claim 1, wherein the first material comprises a bundle of fibers and the second material comprises a sponge.
 6. The cosmetic implement of claim 1, wherein the first material comprises a silicone member and the second material comprises a flocking.
 7. The cosmetic implement of claim 1, wherein the cosmetic implement comprises an eye shadow brush, and wherein the first and second gradients are configured to simultaneously apply eye shadow to an eye lid and an area under an eye brow.
 8. The cosmetic implement of claim 1, wherein the applicator comprises at least one of a bundle of fibers, a sponge, a silicone member, or flocking.
 9. The cosmetic implement of claim 1, wherein the peak defines an angle between the first gradient and the second gradient, the angle being at least about 100 degrees and at most about 130 degrees.
 10. The cosmetic implement of claim 1, wherein the applicator comprises a bundle of fibers.
 11. The cosmetic implement of claim 1, wherein the first gradient and the second gradient are defined by a terminus of a bundle of fibers.
 12. The cosmetic implement of claim 1, wherein a slope of the first gradient and a slope of the second gradient are substantially the same magnitude.
 13. The cosmetic implement of claim 1, wherein a slope of the first gradient and a slope of the second gradient are substantially different in magnitude.
 14. A cosmetic brush for applying a product to a face, the cosmetic brush comprising: a handle; a bundle of fibers; and a ferrule securing an end of the bundle of fibers to the handle, the bundle of fibers comprising: a first group of fibers; a second group of fibers; and a junction between the first and second groups of fibers, such that a length of the first group of fibers decreases linearly away from the junction, and a length of the second group of fibers decreases linearly away from the junction.
 15. The cosmetic brush of claim 14, wherein the first and second groups of fibers are symmetric about a plane passing through the junction.
 16. The cosmetic brush of claim 14, wherein the first and second groups of fibers are asymmetric about a plane passing through the junction.
 17. The cosmetic brush of claim 14, wherein the first group of fibers comprises a first type of fibers and the second group of fibers comprises a second type of fibers, the first type of fibers being different from the second type of fibers.
 18. The cosmetic brush of claim 17, wherein the first type of fibers differs from the second type of fibers in at least one of the following: size of fibers, stiffness of fibers, or material of fibers.
 19. The cosmetic brush of claim 14, wherein the bundle of fibers extends outside a perimeter defined by the ferrule.
 20. The cosmetic brush of claim 14, wherein the bundle of fibers further comprises a rounded peak positioned at the junction.
 21. A cosmetic implement comprising: a handle defining a longitudinal axis of the cosmetic implement; and an applicator coupled to a longitudinal end of the handle for applying a product, the applicator having a substantially pentagonal profile when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
 22. The cosmetic implement of claim 21, wherein the applicator comprises at least one of a bundle of fibers, a sponge, a silicone member, or flocking.
 23. The cosmetic implement of claim 21, wherein the applicator comprises a first material and a second material, the first material being different from the second material.
 24. The cosmetic implement of claim 21, wherein the pentagonal profile is substantially symmetrical about the longitudinal axis of the cosmetic implement.
 25. The cosmetic implement of claim 21, wherein the pentagonal profile is substantially asymmetrical about the longitudinal axis of the cosmetic implement.
 26. The cosmetic brush of claim 21, wherein a cross-sectional area of the applicator increases from a proximal end of the applicator coupled to the handle to a shoulder of the applicator, and decreases in cross-sectional area from the shoulder of the applicator to a distal end of the applicator. 